Rao Sets State Mark, Nation No. 1 For Weight!

Gianna Rao has been aiming for the state record in the 20-pound weight throw since early last season.

The Ponaganset High senior earned that long-awaited mark on Saturday.

Competing in the Medium School Championship, Rao broke the 10-year-old mark with a winning heave of 63 feet, 2 inches. With her effort, Rao also established a New England record and put herself atop the national rankings by nearly three feet!

"It just felt really good," said Rao. "I have been working really hard for it and I finally got it. I just happened to put everything together and it felt really good."

Rao's winning performance eclipsed the old record of 62-2, set by former Classical great Victoria Flowers at the New England Weight Throw Championships in 2008.